Tours

Walk-in Tours

Old Swedes Church
Built in 1698-1699 by the descendants of the Swedish colonists who founded the New Sweden Colony.

Burial Grounds
Predates the church to 1638 when the Swedes first landed along the banks of the Christina River and buried their dead in the "high ground".

Hendrickson House

The 1½ story field stone farmhouse was built in the early 18th century by Andrew Hendrickson along the banks of the Delaware River. This site is truly an historical gem.

Labyrinth

Built in 2001, the Old Swedes labyrinth is a replica of France's Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. Walking a labyrinth is a meditative contemplative act that helps free the mind.

School Tours

Would you like to take your students back in time to the seventeenth, eighteenth, or even the nineteenth centuries? The Old Swedes Historic Site offers a variety of school programs designed to expand and enhance your school's Social Studies curriculum.

For more information, or to book a tour, please call 302-652-5629 or send us an email

Life in New Sweden (Grades K-4)

See life through the eyes of the first settlers in Delaware—the people of New Sweden. Explore the historic buildings and grounds of the Old Swedes Church and Burial Ground, learning about how many of the earliest settlers scratched out a life for themselves in the New World. Then, settle in Brigitta's Kitchen, where you'll experience how families lived in the Hendrickson House in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Voices Through the Past (Grades 4-12)

Delaware is often called the state that started a Nation. What do we know about the people who founded this state? Learn the stories of the men and women who shaped this state and the nation. Meander the paths of the Old Swedes Burial grounds and experience Delaware's history and its contribution to our nation's heritage. Explore the historic site walked by those who founded the state—Native Americans, Swedes, Dutch, and the English—and all those that came after them. Explore four centuries of Delaware history through this lively walking tour with hands-on activities.

Grave Knowledge (Grades 4-12)

Cemeteries are among the most fascinating, richest, and often the most neglected sources of history about where you live. In Grave Knowledge, we're going to look for history at the cemetery. The age of the community, its ethnic composition, and the impact by immigration can all be concluded by studying gravestones. See how many things you can learn about your community and its people by spending some time in Old Swedes Church Cemetery.

Group Tours

Create your own truly unique experience for the Old Swedes National Historic Landmark Site by mixing and matching elements of the site to make a tour that meets your group's needs. Package tours of the site are also available. Reservations are required.

For more information, or to book a tour, please call 302-652-5622 or send an email to .

Old Swedes Church

Built in 1698-1699 by the descendants of the Swedish colonists who founded the New Sweden Colony.

Burial Grounds

Predates the church to 1638 when the Swedes first landed along the banks of the Christina River and buried their dead in the "high ground".

Hendrickson House

The 1½ story field stone farmhouse was built in 1690 by Andrew Hendrickson along the banks of the Delaware River. This site is truly an historical gem.

Labyrinth

Built in 2001 the Old Swedes labyrinth is a replica of France’s Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. Walking a labyrinth is a meditative contemplative act that helps free the mind.

Package Tours

Smorgasbord Tour -- $5.00

The Swedes are famous for their smorgasbords. Join us as we sample the Old Swedes Historic Site's offerings. See where the Swedes established the burial grounds that date back to 1638. Not just Swedes are buried here but patriots, doctors, lawyers and “belles of the ball.” Hear about the architect, artisans, and stonemasons who built Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church in 1698-1699. Step into Hendrickson House and experience family life in New Sweden colony.

Music through the Centuries -- $20.00

Tour the Old Swedes Church and burial grounds and combine music and historical beauty for a unique listening opportunity. A unique feature of the Old Swedes Church is its barrel vaulted ceiling and the incredible acoustics. Enjoy a concert of classical and baroque music played on the Austin Pipe Organ.

Ghosts in the Graveyard -- $15.00

During the 19th century stories about graveyard haunting were the vogue. Join us for “Ghosts in the Graveyard” and see if you can solve the mystery of the late night bell ringing in the churchyard.

Round out your tour experiences with either a lunch or wine and cheese reception!